The Mouth of Truth (La Bocca della Veritá) is a legendary marble sculpture in Rome, Italy. You can find it at the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin.
When in Rome, tourists from around the world stand in line to test the marble mask’s ability. The Mouth of Truth is dated as far back as the 1st century. It was either used as part of an ancient fountain or a drain cover. This bearded man-like face has a diameter that’s about 5ft 9in. and weighs 26,400lbs!
Romans believed it represented an ancient god of the Tiber River. Many noblemen brought their wives to La Bocca to test their wives’ faithfulness. It was also used in the movie Roman Holiday starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.
If you visit the Mouth of Truth, don’t forget to step inside the church. Many visitors only want to see the statue but miss out on the beautifully decorated medieval Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. The church is built on the ruins of temples devoted to Hercules and to Ceres. It also houses the skull of St. Valentine, the saint who was the start of the holiday Valentine’s Day.
Have you ever heard of the legend or visited the statue? What was the coolest “legend” site that you’ve ever visited? Comment below and share this post!
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